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Sustainable Living Through Ceramic Lattice Panels and Natural Cooling Strategies

Authors:
Antonio Javier Martinez Rodriguez, Pablo Astrain Mocoroa, Veronica Fernandez-blanco Guinea
Sustainable Living Through Ceramic Lattice Panels and Natural Cooling Strategies

Project in-detail

Characterized by its ceramic lattice panels and traditional wind tower, the design maximizes natural ventilation and thermal efficiency, creating a sustainable residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Ceramic lattice panels provide privacy while enhancing airflow and light penetration.
02
A traditional wind tower captures and directs cooler breezes into the living spaces.
03
The design incorporates rainwater management systems for landscape irrigation.
04
Sustainability is achieved through thermal mass utilizing locally sourced ceramic blocks.
05
Private terraces extend the living area, encouraging outdoor engagement in a desert climate.

The Sahn House, located in Dubai, embodies a modern approach to residential architecture while respecting traditional Emirati design principles. This project focuses on the synthesis of indoor and outdoor spaces within a framework that promotes environmental sustainability, cultural integrity, and community engagement. The architectural design prioritizes the integration of courtyards—common in Arabian architecture—as central elements that facilitate social interaction, natural cooling, and effective use of natural light.

Architecture in this context functions not only as a shelter but also as a transformative space where family and community life can thrive. The layout is organized around public and private courtyards, establishing a clear demarcation between shared and personal domains. Public areas such as the family room, dining space, and kitchen are intertwined with outdoor elements, promoting a seamless transition between the interiors and exteriors.

The use of local materials is pivotal in defining the identity of the Sahn House. Ceramic blocks provide structural integrity while contributing to thermal regulation. Sand render finishes resonate with the surrounding landscape, enhancing visual harmony. Additionally, ceramic lattice panels serve a dual purpose: they offer privacy and introduce passive cooling strategies, a crucial factor in the desert climate. The roof features a suspended garden coupled with solar panels, aligning with the project's sustainability objectives.

Innovative Design Approaches

A distinctive aspect of Sahn House is its incorporation of traditional cooling techniques, such as the Barjeel or wind tower. This element captures prevailing winds, facilitating natural ventilation and reducing reliance on mechanical air-conditioning systems. The building’s design promotes cross-ventilation and maximizes daylighting, minimizing energy consumption. The strategic placement of outdoor spaces allows for shaded areas that encourage outdoor living, effectively navigating the challenges posed by Dubai's climate.

The project also addresses contemporary family needs by designing flexible spaces that can adapt to changing requirements over time. This adaptability is seen in the potential for future expansions, without compromising the integrity of the original design.

Sustainability is further emphasized through effective rainwater management systems that reuse collected water for landscaping needs. This feature complements the architectural design and reinforces a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Spatial Dynamics

The spatial organization within the Sahn House reflects both functionality and aesthetic consistency. Ground and first-floor plans reveal a thoughtful distribution of areas that prioritize both communal and private experiences. The public courtyard serves as a backbone to the layout, drawing visitors into the heart of the home. The allocation of private terraces for the bedrooms not only enhances privacy but also extends the living experience outdoors.

Architectural sections illustrate the building’s relationship with its surroundings, emphasizing the importance of light and shadow throughout different times of day. The design fosters a connection between the occupants and the environment, encouraging outdoor use and engagement with nature.

For deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, details, and overall design approaches employed in the Sahn House, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This exploration will shed light on the nuanced architectural ideas that drive this project, showcasing its relevance and innovation in contemporary residential design.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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